Dumbarton Middle eighth-graders, from left, Sarah Petti, Katia Vanlandingham, and Rachel Prem enjoy an after-school treat from Rita's in Towson despite cold and wet weather on the first official day of spring, Friday, March 20.

Dumbarton Middle eighth-graders, from left, Sarah Petti, Katia Vanlandingham, and Rachel Prem enjoy an after-school treat from Rita's in Towson despite cold and wet weather on the first official day of spring, Friday, March 20. (Brian Krista, Baltimore Sun Media Group)

Rita's annual First Day of Spring Celebration -- in which the company gives away free Italian Ice to customers, including those at the location on York Road in Towson -- did not have a spring-like feel on Friday, March 20, because of the cold and wet weather.